[Press Release] HP’s Work Relationship Index Reveals AI’s Potential to Unlock Better Relationships with Work

News Highlights

• Only 22% of Australian knowledge workers say they have a healthy relationship with work
• AI is key to unlocking a better relationship with work – with business leaders and IT decision makers most enthusiastic about its potential
• 73% of Australian business leaders think AI will make their job easier
• 52% of Australian knowledge workers believe AI will open up new opportunities for them to enjoy work; The same percentage think AI will make their job more interesting
• Business leaders' critical role is clear: to educate their employees on the possibilities of AI and take the lead on effectively introducing it

Sydney, March 6, 2024 – Today at the HP Amplify Partner Conference, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) announced new findings from its Work Relationship Index, a comprehensive study that explores employees’ relationships with work around the world. The study, which surveyed more than 15,600 respondents across 12 countries, reveals that while the world’s relationship with work is strained and employee expectations are rising, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seen as a key to unlocking better relationships with work. 

"AI represents a significant opportunity to transform our work dynamics and unlock a more positive and productive environment for all," stated Dave Shull, President of HP Workforce Solutions at HP Inc. “To foster greater understanding and acceptance of AI – and ensure employees know how to reap its benefits – business leaders must take the initiative to educate employees on AI’s potential and spearhead its effective integration."

The World’s Relationship with Work Is Strained: AI Can Help

In today's global workforce, there's a notable strain in the relationship between individuals and work, with just 22% of knowledge workers reporting a healthy work relationship. Simultaneously, knowledge workers’ expectations of their relationship with work have surged, with 55% in Australia reporting that their expectations have increased over the past three years. This is particularly pronounced in growing economies, at 71%, compared to 50% of workers in mature economies overall.

AI's potential to foster healthier relationships with work is well understood by the Australian workforce – with business leaders and IT decision makers leading the way. 50% of knowledge workers, 71% of business leaders see the role AI can play in improving work-life balance. To a similar extent, employees believe that AI can streamline tasks and make their job easier (business leaders 73%, knowledge workers 50%).

Notably, in growing economies, 76% of knowledge workers think AI will make their job ‘easier’ and 75% ‘more interesting’ (vs. 48% and 44% respectively in mature economies).

Business Leaders in Australia Must Guide AI Integration

The gap between business leaders, ITDMs and knowledge workers demonstrates the need for business leaders to effectively communicate the benefits of AI and educate employees on how to integrate it into their work processes – to help drive better business outcomes at the same time as strengthening individuals’ relationships with work. The survey showed that uncertainty persists regarding how best to use AI and take full advantage of it:

• 40% respondents in Australia feel unsure of when to use AI in the workplace.
• 55% believe it is senior leadership’s responsibility to understand how to leverage AI, so it helps them be more successful at work.

With 73% of business leaders and 64% of knowledge workers advocating for proper AI training, there's a clear call for organisations to prioritise upskilling initiatives to empower their workforce in embracing AI technologies.

"In this evolving work landscape, the strategic integration of AI is a powerful force for business transformation. As leaders, we have a responsibility to lead the charge in navigating the AI landscape. We need to educate our teams about the benefits of AI and demonstrate how it can be seamlessly integrated into our work processes, shaping an environment where innovation thrives," said Brad Pulford, Vice President and Managing Director of ANZ at HP. "Business leaders have a unique opportunity to empower employees, drive success, and shape a future where work is not just a necessity but a source of fulfilment and inspiration."

Download the full Work Relationship Index ‘AI in the Workplace’ report here under “Download Latest Reports.” 

Methodology

HP commissioned an online survey managed by Edelman Data & Intelligence (DxI) that fielded between June 9 – July 10, 2023, in 12 countries: the U.S., France, India, U.K., Germany, Spain, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and Indonesia. HP surveyed 15,624 respondents in total – 12,012 knowledge workers (~1,000 in each country); 3,612 IT decision makers (~300 in each country); and 1,204 business leaders (~100 in each country).

About HP

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.

chloe.mitchell@hp.com

emelyne.sng@edelman.com

joshua.wise@edelman.com